Thanks for the thoughtful comment @weisser-rabe!

I was only part of the "circus" for a few years, working in the technology and computer industries and then I decided to be self-employed. The challenge I have found is that the world seems to be designed for those who are part of the mainstream workplace. At least here in the USA — which is so proud of the "independent spirit" — there is very little support for those who work for themselves, and even though I a self-employed, I end up working more because the cost of things like insurance, government pension taxes and medical services are higher for the self-employed.

The positive is, of course, the freedom. Some days I choose to work from 6:00 to 15:00 (for example if I can't sleep) and other days I might work from lunch till 23:00. And that I really like.